Dental terminology and procedures can seem intimidating to patients of all ages, especially when it comes to root canals. The term may invoke fears of a long, invasive operation, or a high risk of complications afterward. But root canals are actually simple, straightforward treatments that can help keep your mouth and teeth healthy and pain-free.
Common Root Canal Myths
According to the American Association of Endodontists, there are 3 popular misconceptions about root canal procedures:
- Root canals are painful
- Root canals often lead to more problems
- Root canals aren’t effective procedures
But these misconceptions are often founded in outdated dental practices, and are very unlikely to be part of your root canal treatment today.
Root Canals and Pain
Many patients report the pain level of a root canal as similar to getting fillings – much easier than dealing with the pain of an infected or abscessed tooth. Your dental experts are trained in local anesthesia, and post-procedure soreness can usually be managed by over-the-counter medication.
Root Canals and Complications
Although being prepared for a dental procedure can help reduce anxiety, not everything you read on the internet about root canals is true. Many papers and articles claiming a link between root canals and chronic health issues can be found online, but dental experts cite unreliable research conducted in the 1920s as the source for these unfounded fears. Once all damaged or infected tissue is removed, the teeth are sealed with a filling or crown.
Root Canals v/s Extraction
While root canals aren’t likely a regular part of your routine dental check-up, they are effective at preventing even more invasive tactics like tooth extraction. When it comes to problem teeth, it might seem obvious that extraction will eliminate any future problems, and may come with a lower price tag, but many dentists recommend treatment aimed at preserving natural teeth. Bridges and implants can mean more time in the dentist’s chair, and may lead to complications in the surrounding teeth.
Root Canal Treatment in Calgary
At Inglewood Family Dental, we are committed to providing you and your loved ones with the highest quality of care and comfort. We firmly believe that every patient deserves personalized care with the goal to create a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles! Book an appointment with us today for a comprehensive assessment, no referral is required.